Netanyahu to Address UN General Assembly, Vowing to Combat 'Lies'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, addressing a range of critical issues. In his address, Netanyahu plans to highlight Israel's achievements during the ongoing conflict, particularly against Iran, and to counter what he described as "terrible things being spread around the world." He stated in a pre-departure video, "I am leaving tonight for New York to defend the State of Israel and IDF soldiers on the UN stage. I will fight against the lies. I will fight for the truth of our soldiers, of our country. Yes, and there will be surprises."

Netanyahu also intends to challenge recent statements made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who claimed Hamas has never operated in the West Bank. The Prime Minister's office previously condemned Macron's remarks as "appalling absurdity," citing the recent murder of French citizen and father of six, Natanel Shokron, by a Hamas terrorist in the West Bank, just days before Yom Kippur. The statement emphasized that Hamas terrorists carry out attacks against Jews almost daily.

Additionally, the Prime Minister is expected to address the recent car-ramming attack on Route 443, which injured reservist Neria Leiters, son of Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yehiel Leiters. Neria's father is a bereaved parent who lost his son, Moshe Yedidya Leiters, during the fighting in Beit Hanoun in the "Swords of Iron" war.

During his visit to New York, Netanyahu will hold meetings with the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Panama, and Ethiopia, as well as the Vice President of Colombia and the Prime Ministers of Greece, Slovenia, and Papua New Guinea. According to his office, many leaders requested meetings, but due to a tight schedule and the need to return before the Sukkot holiday, only some could be accommodated.